Temporary Research Project Coordinator

uchicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Temporary Research Project Coordinator to oversee a large-scale field experiment on labor market discrimination. Reporting to Professor Evan Rose, you will manage complex workflows, coordinate external vendors, and supervise the development and operation of custom software systems essential to the study.

This role is ideal for early-career candidates with strong organizational, technical, or project-management skills and a passion for cutting-edge social

Qualifications

• Degree requirements and preferred experience in research administration.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and vendor relationships.
• Background in computer science or data science is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of a large field experiment with parallel workstreams.
• Coordinate relationships with external vendors and research partners.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and milestone tracking.
• Oversee development and maintenance of software and research infrastructure.
• Administrate project software and ensure system reliability.
• Monitor progress and resolve operational and logistical challenges.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Master's degree in economics

Bachelor's degree with substantial experience

College degree required

Job description

Department

SSD: Economics - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

For over a century, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics has been recognized as one of the world's leading centers for economic research and education. The Department's faculty have received numerous awards, including more Nobel Prize laureates and John Bates Clark medalists in economics than any other university. Among our faculty are many members of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Econometric Society.

Job Information

The University of Chicago is seeking a highly organized and motivated Temporary Research Project Coordinator to oversee a large-scale field experiment studying labor market discrimination. This position combines project management, technical operations, and research administration in support of a multi-year academic research project. The role is well suited for candidates early in their careers, including recent master's graduates who have demonstrated strong organizational, technical, or project management skills. Candidates with additional relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

Directly reporting to Professor Evan Rose, the successful candidate will coordinate external vendors, manage complex project workflows, oversee the development and operation of custom software systems, and ensure the successful implementation of a large-scale research study. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys solving organizational and technical problems, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge social science research.

This temporary position offers the opportunity to build valuable experience in research administration. Depending on departmental needs, available funding, and performance, qualified candidates may be considered for future employment opportunities at the University of Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of a large, complex field experiment involving multiple parallel workstreams.
• Coordinate and manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and research partners.
• Develop project plans, implementation timelines, and systems to track milestones, deliverables, and project progress.
• Oversee the development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of custom software and research infrastructure used to conduct the experiment.
• Serve as the primary administrator and day-to-day operator of project software, ensuring research systems function reliably and efficiently.
• Configure, maintain , troubleshoot, and improve software tools used to support study implementation, participant management, data collection, and quality assurance.
• Develop and maintain documentation for software systems, research protocols, and operational workflows.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify and resolve operational, technical, and logistical challenges.
• Coordinate research activities to ensure adherence to study protocols and high standards of data quality.
• Organize meetings, track action items, and communicate project status, risks, and priorities to the research team.
• Identify opportunities to improve project efficiency through better processes, automation, and technology.
• Other related tasks.

Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously while maintaining careful attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Work independently, prioritize competing demands, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving problems.
• Balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and processes.
• Work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment that combines research, technology, and project management.
• Commitment to developing efficient systems and processes that support high-quality research.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications

Education

• College or university degree r equired .
• Master's degree in economics, computer science, data science, statistics, public policy, information systems, engineering, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree with substantial relevant professional experience p referred.

Experience

• ≤ 2 years of experience r equired .
• 2 - 5 years of relevant professional experience p referred.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities, projects, or operational responsibilities in a professional environment r equired.
• Background in computer science, software engineering, data science, computational social science, or a similar technical field preferred.
• Managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders p referred.
• Working closely with software developers or managing software developme